Man charged in Barrett abandoned dog case

Barrett Township Police say they caught the man who abandoned a dog in a Barrett Township apartment in March and left it without food or water.

Michael Hewson was charged with cruelty to animals after he left the pit bull, Justice, in an apartment complex in Canadensis.

The apartment complex's property manager eventually found Justice, who was bleeding, had cuts and was malnourished, running around in the apartment in his own excrement.

Justice hadn't had anything to eat or drink for almost two weeks.

Police say that Hewson, who rented the apartment, was supposed to care for the dog, which was his brother's, but instead neglected it and just left it in the apartment.

The good news, though, is that Justice is doing much better.

He was brought to the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe County where he received emergency treatment, and he recently gained about five pounds, said David Carbone, board member and operations coordinator of AWSOM.For the time being, Justice — who received the name because those who cared for him after he was found hoped that whoever left him in such a condition would be brought to justice — has been placed in foster care, where he will continue to be nurtured and where he can readjust to a normal way of life.

Justice will be up for adoption after he gets out of foster care.

If you would like to donate to help or adopt Justice, call 570-421-3647.